This chapter focuses on the relationship between risky behaviour and young people’s
educational outcomes. First we examine young people’s school attainment at the age of
16. Next we look at career decisions young people make having completed their
compulsory education. Overall, the results demonstrate that it is socio-demographic
background and young people’s attitudes to schooling that are mostly driving these
outcomes. However, a high degree of involvement in risky behaviour, especially if
sustained over time, may significantly contribute to lower performance at school and
decrease the chances of the young person staying in full-time education beyond the age of
16